As the holidays approach, it's time to figure out what to get everyone. It's easy to get your friends gifts based on personalities because you know it's something they’ll love. Every friend group has the sleepy friend, and it my friend group it just so happens to be me. So, what do you get your sleepiest friend? I compiled a list of gifts for people who love sleep for ya.

Too, because we understand the reality of being broke in college (coming from a broke college girl like me!) we found our faves under $15. I love to give gifts but, unfortunately, cannot splurge on my girls like I would like to. That's where this handy list of affordable, pro-sleep gifts comes in. 

1. Never Stop Dreaming Silk Sleep Mask ($10)

Little bit of sleepy little bit of diva. Sleep masks are perfect for your sleepy friend with a little bit of sas. This one also encourages her to never stop dreaming. She can take that literally or figuratively (or both). This mask also comes in two colors of only $10.

2. Day Napping Sticker ($4)

This is for your friend that much rather take a nap than day drink. Why wake up hungover when you could wake up refreshed AF? Plus, the sticker will all make sense on her laptop when people see her dozing off in class. 

3. Sleepy Sticker Set ($8)

Why get her one sticker when you can get three? We love a decorated laptop or water bottle, and these super cute stickers make the perfect lazy girl accessory. 

4. In My Dreams I’m Asleep Compact Mirror ($6)

Bags under her eyes? Never. Daydreaming in the mirror? Always.

5. Sleepy Girls Temporary Tattoos ($8)

Show true dedication to all things sleep with this set of sleep-themed tattoos, aka a true Insta-ready essential. 

Now, to see if we can ~wake her up~ to receive her gifts! 

You don’t haveto dread going to work (we know, it’s a wild concept). The truth is that we all have to work at some point in our lives and it’s in our best interest to, at the very least, try and make it fun. Whether it’s the less-than-stellar summer job at your local ice-cream shop or an exciting job in your field of interest, we know working can be a drag. Even that job in an industry that you’re pumped about can leave you feeling disinterested if you don’t have the right work environment.

One way to make your newfound life as a working adult more fun is to try and make new friends. Everyone talks about how it’s harder to make friends as an adult than it is in college, so keep reading for some of our tips on making new, lasting friendships.

Be yourself and be honest (but not too honest).

“Making friends in the workplace can make the environment much more fun and lighthearted,” says Katie Barry, who’s been a Sales Associate at a fashion retailer for about 19 months. There’s no denying that making friends can be a downright scary struggle, though. “I’d say be yourself,” Katie adds. “You are the only you out there and odds are that someone in the same workplace is looking for a friend.”

Of course, it’s important to not take it too far. A simple, “Hello,” will work just fine when you’re introducing yourself for the first time in the workplace. You should also try and keep most interactions positive. We know it’s tempting to just spend your time ranting to your coworkers (and yes, we’ve done it too), but it’s important that you start and stay on the right foot.

“Be positive,” Says Stephanie Bird, a Career Advisor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s Career Center. “People want to be around positivity, so try to stay away from office drama or complaining too much.”

Related: 5 Signs You've Outgrown Your College Friends (& Why That’s OK)

Put in an effort and be curious about people.

If you’ve noticed that you bond really well with someone, make an effort. It’s not weird to invite your coworkers out for coffee or drinks. Bird actually recommends that you get a group together to go get drinks or lunch together. Part of putting in an effort also includes remembering what it was like when you first started your job. “Remember what ‘s like to be the new person,” Bird says. “If someone new starts in the office, take them out for coffee or lunch! They’ll appreciate it.”

We know how tempting it is to always be glued to your phone, but when you’re hanging out with your coworkers make sure you’re present. Nothing’s worse than trying to forge a new friendship and phones keep getting in the way. It may not have prevented friendships from being made in college, but once you're in the "real world" life is a little more difficult and people may not have time to sit around pretending to hang out with you while you're texting everyone else you know. 

One piece of advice that Bird has for new employees is to be curious about people. If you have an open floor plan in the office or work one-on-one with someone a lot, take a moment to ask about decorations they may have and listen to what they say. You can learn a lot about someone from the decorations in their office and your genuine interest in them could forge that friendship you really want.

Don’t get discouraged—it’s not you.

There are some instances when you may not have any luck making friends in the workplace. This is always a possibility, and you need to be prepared for the reality that it’s just not going to happen with your current job. If this happens, just know that it's probably not you. 

Company culture can have a huge impact on whether or not you’re having any luck finding friends. “Some cultures allow for relationships to form easier while others may be a little more challenging,” Bird adds. “When applying for jobs, ask about things like work gatherings or how groups work together.” Sometimes, though, the company culture just isn’t the place to make friends.

If you do notice that you’re having a hard time making friends in the workplace you’re in, put in an effort to keep in touch with friends from college. Just because you don’t have any workplace friendships doesn’t mean that you don’t have people to hang out with. There’s probably at least one person from your university that is missing those friendships too. Plus, you can talk about work without having to worry about it spreading (although, you should still be careful about work talk).

Set boundaries.

If you are one of the lucky ones who find really great friends at work, we have a suggestion: talk about your new friendships with your new friends. Work is still work and you want to make sure that you are inclusive, professional and productive.

“I think it’s important to have friends in the workplace,” Katie says. “But I think it’s also important to have boundaries, too.” She adds that, for her, it was difficult to know when it was appropriate to add someone on Facebook or follow them on Instagram. You don’t want to overwhelm someone or make your work environment awkward.

Although keeping the friendship professional is important, a common (and even recommended, to a certain extent) tactic to making lasting friendships in the workplace includes talking about real things that you’re going through (if you’re both on the same page). At Aerie, Katie is surrounded by coworkers who are close to her age and can relate to the things she’s going through. “We share advice on our college experience, rant in the stockroom about our relationship problems, and support each other in difficult times,” Katie says.

Simply put, don’t make it weird and try not to make anyone uncomfortable. Try to read the social signals and, as we said, have that discussion with your coworkers. Know where they stand and how far the friendship should go.

It can seem tempting, and even easier, to go through your workday without interacting with your coworkers, but that’s how we start to dread working. Why ignore our coworkers in favor of being miserable for eight hours?

It’s going to be a lot of work, but the best friendships don’t always happen overnight. Don’t be afraid to take the first step; it’s likely that at least one of your coworkers is starting to feel as lonely as you are and looking for friends, too.

Well, you met your SO’s parent(s) and it didn't go as your planned. Maybe it was something you said, maybe it was them, but it doesn’t matter – the point is, you got off on the wrong foot, and now you have to find a way to make it right. It’s never easy, especially if you dislike them or they dislike you, but it’s always important to make an effort to get along for your partner’s sake. Remember, your SO may not always agree with their parents choices, but they likely still value them and their opinions. Here’s how to make a great second impression and hopefully win over your SO’s parents in the end. 

Do apologize if you did something wrong.

Even if it’s something as small as mispronouncing a name, it’s important to apologize and show your SO’s family that the remark was totally unintentional. Acknowledging your gaffe will show them that you’re mature and not too proud to admit your mistakes. If you offer a sincere apology, it’s unlikely that they’ll continue to hold the accidental slight against you, whatever it was. If it was a more serious offense, consider writing them an apology card or offering them some sort of gift, like flowers, along with an apology. A little effort can go a long way when it comes to making amends with your SO’s family.

Don't apologize for something you’re not at fault for.

If the reason your SO’s parents don’t like you is for something out of your control, such as your gender or race, don’t feel pressured to apologize for it. These traits are part of what make up your identity, and they should obviously be celebrated, not looked down upon. You have every right to be frustrated if they make inappropriate comments about your lifestyle, such as demeaning takes about your religion or sexuality. If this happens, you can address it directly with your partner (if you feel comfortable confronting them), and let them know that those behaviors are inappropriate if you’re going to continue the relationship. It’s important to support your SO and their family, but you have to put your own self first.

If the reason you started off on the wrong foot was because a member of your SO’s family said or did something that made you uncomfortable, know that you don’t have to put up with it for the sake of making a good impression. You have the right to feel safe in your relationship, and your SO, and by extension their family, needs to respect you and your feelings.

Do ask your SO for advice.

Your partner knows their family better than almost anyone, so don’t be afraid to ask them for advice on how to patch up the relationship. They will be able to provide you with some ideas on the best way to apologize, and can offer encouragement throughout the process. 

Don't bad-mouth your SO’s family.

It doesn’t matter how much you dislike them – they are your SO’s parents, and you shouldn’t ever speak about them in a disrespectful way to your partner. If you are frustrated, find a way to express it that is civil and complaisant - controversial statements or accusations are always a sure-fire way to start a fight between couples. If you really need to vent, talk to a trusted friend who will listen and let you work through your feelings about the situation before speaking to your SO. For some, families are a package deal, so even if you don’t get along with your SO’s parents as well as you hoped you would, you still need to show your SO that you can be a mature adult when interacting with their parents.

Related: When Should You Introduce Your SO To Your Parents?

Do make an effort to connect with them.

When you’re with your SO and their family, all of your energy should be focused on them. Put your phone on silent and away in a purse if you need to, and make sure that you have cleared your mind of any distracting thoughts. It may take a while to hit on a topic that you all enjoy, but don’t let that deter you. If you are truly struggling, just ask them questions about their work and hobbies, and make your best effort to take an interest in anything they share. Letting your SO’s parents know that you are taking your relationship with them seriously may improve their opinions of you drastically.

Don't try to force them to like you.

You and your SO’s parents may just need some time to warm up to each other , and that’s OK! When getting to know them, let things occur as naturally as possible. If you allow yourself to relax and enjoy the quality time with your SO and their family, chances are everyone around you will begin to do the same. Don’t try to force yourself to be someone you aren’t to make them like you more. They’ll likely see through the act, and they won’t be impressed. Being yourself is one of the best things you can do in this situation.

Meeting your SO’s family is a nerve-wracking experience, so try to focus on being your cool, confident self, rather than who you think you need to be. That doesn’t mean that you should give up on ever having a good relationship with them just because you didn’t make a great first impression. It’s more than likely that they’ll be willing to give you a second chance, especially if you show them that you’re truly committed to furthering your relationship with them. You might not see eye-to-eye on everything, and there may be some differences that are hard to push past. Just remember that you’ll always have at least one thing in common–– you all love your SO!

A federal appeals court on Friday denied the Trump administration’s bid to delay a previous ruling, which blocked a policy made to ban immigrants who cross the border illegally from claiming asylum.  

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, California, found Trump’s asylum ban to be inconsistent with existing law. “We agree with the district court that the Rule is likely inconsistent with existing United States law,” the court’s ruling said, according to The Hill. “Accordingly, we DENY the Government’s motion for a stay.” 

Ninth Circuit Judge Jay Bybee suggested in the court ruling that Trump’s asylum ban was an attempt to pass laws from the White House. “Just as we may not, as we are often reminded, ‘legislate from the bench,’ neither may the Executive Legislate from the Oval Office,” Bybee wrote, according to the Associated Press. 

The Trump administration signed a presidential proclamation in November, which barred immigrants who entered outside of the county’s official points of entry from seeking asylum, CNN reports. His proclamation put into effect a joint rule that was issued by the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security a few days prior. The joint ruling barred those who entered the country illegally from being able to claim asylum, according to Politico.

A lower court judge decided to temporarily block the ban, and he later refused to reinstate it. The administration then appealed to the Ninth Circuit to postpone Judge Jon Tigar’s temporary block, which only lasts for 30 days.  

According to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, any immigrant can claim asylum in the United States no matter how they entered the country. But the administration claims that the country’s asylum system is “overwhelmed” by “meritless” claims, according to The Hill. 

It’s not every day that someone is nominated for one of the biggest awards in music, and for some first time nominees, their reactions can be iconic! For Cardi B, her reaction to being nominated for five Grammys came when she least expected it. But it was, of course, a classic Cardi response.  

A reporter unveiled the big news on Friday that she was up for five different awards moments after she appeared in court for assault and reckless endangerment charges. The judge had ordered the “Bodak Yellow” singer to stay away from the two women she allegedly assaulted at a strip club in October, according to People.  

A few hours later, the

This is not How expected to find out I’m nominated for a Grammy 😩😩😂I need a do over 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️😩 pic.twitter.com/aCt5WH6ZwZ

“How do you feel that you’re nominated for Grammys?” a reporter asked. 

She answered, “I am? I am? How many nominations?” 

When another reported shouted out the number, the rapper stuck her tongue out, pumped her fist, and shouted the famous, “Oweee,” in celebration. 

“This is now How expected to find out I’m nominated for a Grammy,” she captioned the video on Twitter. “I need a do over.” 

She also captioned the video on Instagram with, “What a way to find out I got 5 Grammy nominations. I’m tellin you my life is a movie. “I work my ass off for this. Win or not at least I has a chance and people was watching and admiring my work. Im Soo happy! THANK YOU!”  

She’s the second most-nominated woman this year after Brandi Carlile, who has six, according to Glamour. Cardi is up for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album for Invasion of Privacy, Record of the Year for “I Like It,” Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, and Best Rap Performance for “Be Careful.”

It’s been a rough couple of days for Cardi as she just announced on Dec. 5 via Instagram that her and her husband's split. But something tells me she’s ready to move on from the drama and to start celebrating how she’s slaying the music game. Congrats Cardi! 

You take your first step onto your college campus as an official college student, and that sweet smell of freedom is glorious. You’re free to not only be whoever you want and but also be with whoever you want! You don’t have to worry about Romeo-and-Julietesque encounters where parents forbid your relationship when there’s a huge campus full of cuties to talk to and where you make all the rules. But with all that freedom, the thought of dating can seem confusing and even overwhelming. College dating comes with its own very grown-up differences compared to high school, but recognizing the excitement along with the responsibility can ensure that you find the perfect love in no time.

1. There are more opportunities to meet new people

When we move from our little high school ponds into the vast college sea, you can bet there’s gonna be plenty more fish in that sea to meet! While in high school you usually mull around with your own crowd, college doesn’t keep you confined to certain cliques.

There’s also a much larger student population, so finding cuties to date is that much easier when you have so many potentials to choose from. Whether it’s at a small club luncheon, a 300-seat lecture hall or a chill frat party, have fun finding a special someone among all the new people you’ll meet!

2. With more people, there’s a little more pressure

If that 300-seat lecture hall image struck a little fear in your gut, believe us, we understand. With the hundreds of students you meet in college, it can still feel like a lot of pressure to pick one out of many, let alone ask them on a date. Take a deep breath and don’t feel obligated to find someone immediately and start dating them. Keep up an open mind and socialize a bit, so that when someone does pique your interest, you can just casually ask for a coffee or study date to start.

3.You get a fresh start

In high school, you see the same people in your classes for four years straight, and you all know a lot about each other already. In college, however, you’ll meet and date people you’ll know nothing about, which can make it more adventurous! You can start fresh with this new person and learn about each other without little things like school gossip getting in the way.

“You're going to meet a lot of people in college, amazing people and the terrible ones. You can go out and date whoever you want but be sure to choose the correct date and if you don't, you're going to learn [from] it,” says Nashali Galarza, a junior at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.

That being said, they’re still a complete stranger, so exercise a healthy degree of safety when you date. Have a first date in a public place, so that if you feel uncomfortable at all, you can leave as soon and as safely as possible. If a date goes awry on campus, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, faculty and campus police. For dates off campus, get the place’s staff or the police involved if you feel unsafe leaving by yourself. 

4. Dating is whatever you want it to be

In high school, if two people go to the movies together over the weekend, suddenly everyone thinks they’re a couple that’ll stay together till graduation do them part. Dating in college is a lot less binding and can be a much freer experience.

“There's a difference between liking the idea of a relationship and putting yourself out there so you meet people you would like,” says Teri Morgan, a senior at Chatham University.

You can date for fun, where you get to know new people and have a good time, or you can date to find your soulmate for life. Just make sure to clarify your intentions to your date and be sure you understand what they want as well!

Related: A Freshman Girl's Guide to College Dating 

5. Keep your “type” open-ended

With so many new people around you, you’re bound to find your perfect type in no time, right? Not necessarily. In fact, it would probably benefit you more to try dating different people instead of expecting a “ready-made” perfect type of person from the get-go. Every person you meet will provide you with something new to learn.

You could realize you like a certain attribute you never considered before, or you’ll realize exactly what you don’t want in a SO. Get to know different kinds of people and see what’s wonderful about every unique individual. Dating should be an enjoyable and adventurous experience, so trek through love with an open heart and open mind.

6. Dates can be literally anywhere

In high school, the standard “date” is usually going out to a nice restaurant or watching a movie; nowadays, in college, everyone usually free-styles the concept of a “date.” You two can go out to eat at a fancy restaurant or at a local burger joint; go see a movie at the theater or stay in at your dorm and binge a show on Netflix together; have a stroll in the park or just go grocery shopping together. In college, where everyone roams freely, you can make sweet memories anywhere!

7. Know your bounds in your dating freedom

One of the most exciting parts of dating in college is that you don’t have to get your parents' stamp of approval. No unfair standards to meet, no curfews to follow, just pure freedom to date whoever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want! While all that freedom can be exciting, be sure to keep yourself in check.

“Dating in college is hard, you need to set priorities in your studies, student organizations, work, family and love. But it is important to remember that YOU need to be your own [first] priority and to take care of yourself and your feelings,” says Nashali.

Your parents won’t be around to make sure you balance out all your other commitments, so you really will have to do it all on your own. Welcome to adulting!

8. Relationships move a lot faster

A first date turns into a second and then a third, and next thing you know the two of you are practically inseparable! Unlike high school relationships, college ones move a lot faster since you and your SO have complete control over when you want to see each other (no parents to kick your SO out of your room when it’s late or to refuse to let you go out every day of the week).

You’re both making bigger decisions as well, like whether to accept a job if it means less time for your SO or transferring to a different university for a dream internship you’ve always wanted. You’re faced with choices that seriously test your relationship, so it will grow and transform sooner than you’re probably used to. Take this quickened pace as a reality check that college really is where growth happens.

9. Don’t forget all the other “SOs” in your life

It’s so easy to get caught up in a new relationship and forget about the other special people around us. Friends, roommates and family should never be forgotten when you start dating. Making new friends or staying in touch with the ones coming with you to college is just as important, if not more than, searching for your soulmate.

Dedicate some of your time to friends and to family at home. Don’t forget to call your parents in those fleeting moments when you’re not on the phone with the new SO in your life. When you have your SO over, don’t forget to consult your roommate about it first. Discuss what times are best for your SO to come over so that it doesn’t disturb your roommate; your dorm or apartment is for the both of you, so be fair towards one another when it comes to accommodating space and time.

Finding love doesn’t mean forgetting to show the same love and consideration for all the other people in your life who will help you grow on your journey through college.

10. Dating isn’t everything

The chances of finding love are higher than ever, but that doesn’t mean finding Mr./Ms. Right has to be your number one priority. Monica Perez, a junior at Florida Atlantic University, says that “besides it being a new beginning, [college] is a critical point for growth, so your perspective will change many times as you gain insight...dating shouldn’t be a focus, but when you date it can help you grow as a person.”  

“Whether you’re bringing a relationship from high school to college or if you’re finding someone new, make sure that person wants to grow with you!” Teri says. “You’re going to change in ways you wouldn’t even imagine, and they’ll have to be open to that, and vice versa.” College grants you all the chances to be whoever you want to be, learn new things and take risks! To have all these opportunities around you is truly remarkable, so grab hold of them and become the best version of yourself that you can be. And if someone catches your eye, then ask them out instead of waiting for them to make the first move. Let this be one of many risks you’ll take as you grow in these next four years.  

All in all, follow both your heart and mind and learn all the ups and downs of dating as a new adult. Don’t be afraid of making your own mistakes and learning about yourself and others around you because that is how you grow and how you learn to love even stronger than you did before. 

It seems like everyone’s favorite early 2000s TV shows are making a comeback. Now, Hilary Duff revealed that she’d do a Lizzie McGuire revival in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. She even revealed that there have been “conversations” about bringing her iconic and breakthrough character back. 

“I mean I love her so much,” Duff told Entertainment Tonight. “I think she was so important to girls at an important time in their life. If she could be important to them again at this age, I think that would be amazing.” 

While there have been talks about bringing Lizzie McGuire back to television, she warned fans against getting too excited. “There’s been some conversations. It’s definitely not a go. I don’t want to get everyone wild talking about it.” 

She admitted that the conversations about a potential revival “could be a possibility or it could be nothing.” Either way, this isn’t the first time that Duff has talked about wanting to step back into Lizzie’s platform shows once more. 

Back in June, Duff told BuzzFeed that she was interested in playing the character again. “Honestly, the idea sounded terrible two years ago when reboots were happening, but you never know,” she said. “I don’t know. I loved Lizzie McGuire and it might be really fun to see where she is now.”

The fact that it could come back is honestly what dreams are made of. 

While working with others can make it easier to tackle large responsibilities and projects, it can also be incredibly stressful. Whether you like it or not, co-workers are typically a significant part of your experience in college and in the workforce. Sometimes, the reality is is that you can be stuck working with someone who isn’t holding up their end of the deal. We know that situations like these can be extremely frustrating, so we gathered together the best ways to deal with a co-worker who isn’t pulling their weight—because no one has time for that!

We spoke to Colleen O’Brien, a marketing and management professor at Carthage College with more than 22 years of experience in corporate finance with SC Johnson and the IIT Research Institute in Chicago. With her vast experience in process improvement, strategic planning and team leadership and management, she helped us to pinpoint five steps to approaching and dealing with this type of situation.

1. Begin with preventative measures

With any problem, especially one involving a co-worker, the best way to deal with it is to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. If you’ve been assigned to a group project with someone or have been given a task to take on with a co-worker or co-workers, ensure that you’re taking preventative measures right from the start!

“Group work can be very frustrating when all members are not perceived to be contributing equally,” says O’Brien. “There are some actions you can take at the beginning of the work to try and prevent this from happening.”

So, how exactly do you initially approach the beginning of the project with your co-worker(s)? The key is to lay everything out there so that everyone is on the same page.

Define your roles

Working with others typically involves splitting up into different roles. “Define and assign specific roles for each team member and allocate individual tasks,” says O’Brien. “Make sure to include expectations regarding output and timing.”

While specific roles are subjective to the specific project or task, you can typically expect to assign a group leader or group leaders. Assigning group leaders rather than allowing them to form naturally can prevent conflict and ensure that someone is there to encourage and motivate the group to fulfill their responsibilities without falling behind.

Outline a contract

Recording everything agreed upon by the group in writing is another great way to make everyone to stay accountable. O’Brien recommends outlining a contract under which all the team members are agreeing to.

“This document needs to be used on an ongoing basis to ensure that the project is continuing on schedule and all team members are delivering in accordance with what they agreed to,” O’Brien explains.

With all the roles and responsibilities detailed on paper as well as a schedule, you and your co-worker(s) know exactly what you’re responsible for—so no one should fall behind!

Establish group norms or rules

In addition to establishing roles and a written contract, O’Brien also suggests establishing norms or rules concerning group behavior that all team members think are important. That way, if one of your co-workers isn’t complying with the established rules, you can take the appropriate measures, such as giving him or her a warning.

2. Communicate early

Communication is key for a reason! Another initial step you’ll want to take on with co-workers, especially if you’re noticing a problem with their work ethic, is using your words. O’Brien explains several different ways you can approach your co-worker and communicate the situation in a helpful and positive manner.

Delay judgment

“In the event that a team member is not contributing, there are a couple things you can do,” says O’Brien. “First of all, sit down with the team member and ask if there is something getting in the way of the member meeting their obligations to the team.”

Sometimes there is an underlying reason for a co-worker’s lack of effort, stemming from a more personal issue. It's imperative that you delay your judgment and frustration to understand where a co-worker is coming from before jumping to conclusions by simply communicating with them.

Be empathetic

Showing empathy for a struggling co-worker and making it known that you’re there for them can be one of the most positive ways to communicate with them. O’Brien explains how this is helpful when figuring out your co-worker’s situation.

“Ask if there is anything the team can do to help,” O’Brien advises. “Often when individuals are approached in a very empathetic and humanistic way, they are more likely to respond in a positive manner.”

Remember, you should be fostering positive communication and relationships among your co-workers, so a little empathy can go a long way!

Don’t let the situation fester

Ultimately, the most important way to handle a co-worker who isn’t pulling their weight is to discuss it early on so that the situation doesn’t become worse. You’ll want to avoid pent-up anger or any sort of gossip about an underperforming co-worker, because it certainly won’t help in the end.

“Don't let the issue fester,” says O’Brien. “It is important to communicate early. Again, expressing concern first as opposed to contempt can help the team get to the bottom of the issue.”

Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself either! “I always confront the person straight-up,” says Karina Lee, a junior at Carthage College. “As far as group projects, this is college and we’re all adults.”

Although discussing the issue early on can be tough for many reasons, it prevents a lot of stress, anxiety and frustration that can come with an unresolved problem.

Related: 11 Things You Should Never Talk About With Your Coworkers

3. Make your supervisor aware of the situation

While communicating with your co-worker is extremely important, sometimes it doesn’t always do the trick.

“I always try asking other group members first so that we can all talk to [our co-worker] together,” says Sierra Eno, a junior at Carthage College. “If that doesn’t work, [I suggest] sharing your concerns with your professor or supervisor.”

If you’re past the point of empathizing and understanding where your co-worker is coming from and they’re still not delivering, then it may be time to consult your superior.

Make him or her aware of the situation

While it may be tempting to go to your boss and complain about the situation, whining will not get you the results you desire. Instead, use this opportunity to simply make him or her aware of the situation.

“Ask your professor or boss if they are aware of any issues that could be getting in the way of the individual doing their work,” says O’Brien. “Identify what you have done to date to try to get input from the team member.”

By bringing the situation to your supervisor’s attention, you’ll receive more professional assistance and understanding if you need to bring up any further issues down the road. Plus, they just might have the solution that you need.

Ask for advice

While you’ve approached your professor or boss and notified them about the situation, use it as an opportunity to learn about how they would move forward.

“Ask for suggestions about how you might proceed from this point,” O’Brien recommends. “Approach the meeting with your professor or boss as a request for advice, not a complaining session.”

Again, we know that it’s super tempting to complain and vent your frustrations, but asking for advice to resolve the issue rather than becoming angrier about it shows a lot of respect and professionalism on your behalf.

4. Find a way to work around the individual

If at this point you still haven’t made any positive progress with your co-worker (it can happen sometimes!), it might be time to take matters into your own hands. If the project allows for it, O’Brien suggests working around your co-worker’s responsibilities.

“If you are not getting your team member to contribute, I suggest to find a way to work around the individual,” says O’Brien. Again, this is subjective to what your project calls for, but it may require splitting up their role and taking on a little more responsibility yourself.

Sometimes, it’s a necessary and last-resort effort

However, if you’re worried about taking on too much, remember that it’s better than nothing at all. If your professor or boss has already been made aware of the situation, it will be quite clear to them on who put effort into the project and who didn’t.

Related: 4 Types of Difficult People You Will Probably Work With & How to Deal

5. Consider finding a replacement 

If all else fails and you absolutely cannot find a way to make up for your co-worker, there’s only one thing you can do.

“If that person's knowledge is integral to the final deliverable, you have no choice but to ask that they be replaced with someone else,” O’Brien explains.

Remember, it’s your grade or job on the line

“If you can’t pull your weight then you’re getting kicked to the curb,” says Karina. “I never put anything less than my best out and I expect the same from the people I work with.”

While it’s certainly not easy to replace a co-worker, especially one that you have a close relationship with, it’s ultimately your grade or your job performance that’s on the line here. Don’t be afraid to do what’s absolutely necessary to fulfill your responsibilities!

Co-workers. While they can be extremely helpful in group projects and large tasks, sometimes, they can be anything but so. With these five steps in mind, you’ll be better equipped to not only prevent the situation initially, but also to approach and handle the issue if it’s inevitable!

It’s another Friday night, and your BFF just won’t stop talking about her latest ex. How they still text her day and night, how they seemed like the perfect match, how they still make references to what she did wrong in the relationship. As willing as you are to listen to her problems, you may feel anxious or tired of listening to her go on about her ex. But because you love and adore her more than anything, you obv want to help her out with feeling secure, confident and happy again.

So, what can you do to help heal her fixation and improve conversations? Below are some ways to make sure that you and your friend can get along without feeling too burdened or overwhelmed.

1. Keep her distracted

Instead of directly prompting her to stop talking about her ex, try changing the subject. If you know she loves watching comedies, ask her about the latest Netflix show that has her in giggles. Or when she can’t stop talking about her first date with her ex, ask to plan a friend date together to take her mind off the relationship. From taking some time off for some retail therapy to going on a nice leisurely stroll along the beach, there are plenty of ideas and topics you can try incorporating into your conversations so that you can have a break too!

Barton Goldsmith, an emotional fitness psychologist, told USA Today that breakups can be extremely strenuous on the mind, and that it can be “incredibly important to take your mind off of the breakup by staying busy and keeping her distracted.” Some simple ideas to gently coax your friend out of a rut could be to steer her away from memories of her ex through some ideas for a relaxing break. Try asking her to try that new cafe you saw with the most delectable pastries, or ask her if she’d like to try rock climbing with you.

Sarah, a student in Maryland, says, "After my friend's breakup, I asked her if she'd like to go to an amusement park with me. Although she definitely still felt a bit down at first, going out really did put her in a better mood!"

2. Be understanding

Although you may want her to immediately cut off all ties with her ex, if you d tell her to stop, make sure to do so in a reassuring, gentle way – especially if she’s still feeling a bit down. Relationship psychologist Melanie Greenberg told Psychology Today that after a break-up, a "person cycles through periods of avoiding the emotional pain and being able to distract herself, and periods of being flooded by intense feelings and obsessive thoughts." As a result, it can be completely normal for your friend to go through mood swings and changes in the way she deals with the break-up.

In such moments, it may be even better for you to simply listen to how she feels and to take some time to let her express her moods. Don't hesitate to voice your concern for her so she feels at ease, from simply being by her side to validating her feelings and opinions even if you may not always agree with them. Katie, a student in New York, says, "One of the best things I found I could do for my best friend while she was going through her breakup was simply being there for them and offering boxes of tissues plus snacks when she needed it. I think it really helped for her to know that someone was there for her, even if I couldn't provide the best advice for her."

3. Be firm and honest

If you really don’t feel comfortable with the constant conversations about her ex, don’t be afraid to tell her – and know that you’re definitely not alone, either. With close friends, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between being a good friend without feeling taken advantage of. “If you find that every time you hang out or have meaningful BFF time that she brings up her ex instead”, find some ways to gently let her know how it might be affecting your friendship, without trying to hurt her feelings.

For example, you can try setting aside a time in your schedule for a break from relationship troubles. Try saying, “Hey, I know you’re still recovering from your latest breakup, but I would really appreciate it if we could spend this Friday night doing face masks and re-watching Friends, because I care about you and want to help you move on from any negative feelings,” or something similar along those lines.

Some other ways you can approach the topic:

• “I know that you’re still hurting from your last relationship, but I’ve also been feeling like our friendship is being overshadowed by constant conversations about your ex. Would it be possible if we could discuss something else today?"

• “Even though I’m sure your ex was wonderful and really cared about you, I think that you’re making it difficult for yourself to move on when you’re only thinking about your relationship.”

Related: Five Ways to Get Over Ex You Still See Everyday

4. Listen and do your best to hear her out

Although it may seem like it’s all you’ve been doing, actively listening to what your friend is saying will help you give her the right advice, eventually helping her move on. For example, if you feel like your friend just can’t stop talking about his positive traits, like how he was incredibly kind or understanding, taking the time to affirm these opinions and also acknowledging reasons behind the breakup can help ensure that your friend feels at solace with the end of this relationship. 

Let your friend know that while it’s great that she was so dependent on her ex, now she’ll have the freedom to understand herself and what went wrong. Ask her what she’s learned for future relationships. Remind her that an upside of breaking off a relationship is being able to see things in a new light – and also, in the meantime, don’t be afraid to coax her out of her sadness with a positive attitude and some cartons of ice cream!

5. Be patient

Ending relationships can be difficult, and your friend will likely take days, weeks or even months to get over her ex. So, while you should be honest in letting her know when her conversations are becoming too overwhelming for you, be prepared to take baby steps when it comes to slowly letting her gain more understanding of the relationship. Donna Barnes, author of Giving Up Junk-Food Relationships: Recipes for Healthy Choices told Greatist that breakups can be a catch-22. It sucks to have your heart broken, but at the same time it could be the best thing to ever happen to you. According to Barnes, it’s important for people to take time and slowly heal, "letting themselves grow from the experience to become a better person with increased compassion and more strength." 

Try helping your friend out in small ways by encouraging her when she takes her first steps moving on, from deleting her ex’s phone number or throwing away a hoodie she’s still hiding in the back of her closet. If she still needs to talk about her ex, listen. As this goes on, be sure to maintain your patience and be positive with your attitude towards her, and know that she’ll be able to move on eventually.

All in all, know that your friend is going through an incredibly difficult time and that it may take a lot of patience for the conversations about her ex to finally stop. During this process, don’t be afraid to set up boundaries between you and your friend so you don’t share too much of the emotional burden, but to also maintain a positive attitude. Actively listen and do your best to give advice if she asks, as that will let her know the positive aspects of moving on and learning from the experience. Give her time to breathe and encourage her to find ways to enjoy life without her ex. It may be a difficult transition, so don't be afraid to be with your friend every step of the way to ensure that you both can become stronger in both your friendship and ability to stay strong.

Photo stories that will help you see the world a little bit differently. [BuzzFeed]

This program is using dance to turn teen girls into coders. [Glamour]

The best white elephant gifts. [Cosmopolitan]

Baby moose gets too close for comfort. [USA Today]

The best performances of 2018. [The New York Times]

How likely are you to start a new relationship in December? [Elite Daily]

Everything you need to know about sheet masks. [Women's Health]

Humans are pooping plastic — and we don't know how bad that is. [The Huffington Post]

Dog that survived wildfires guarded the home for weeks. [MPR News]

Economics is what separates Democrats and Republicans. [The Washington Post]

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will be leaving his post at the end of the year, according to President Trump, who announced Kelly’s departure to reporters on Saturday.

Trump did not announce a replacement for Kelly, but said he planned to “in the next day or so.” The president added that the replacement might be on an interim basis, ABC News reports.

“John Kelly will be leaving, I don’t know if I can say retiring. But he’s a great guy,” Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House.

Trump, who has often announced the departure of other members of the White House over a tweet, gave Kelly more of a graceful exit, noting that Kelly has served two important roles in the Trump administration: Department of Homeland Security Secretary and White House Chief of Staff.

“I appreciate his service very much,” Trump said.

Rumors of Kelly’s departure have been circulating for over a year, amid reports that there has been tension between Trump and his chief of staff.

Just a few months ago, Trump had asked Kelly to stay on through his 2020 re-election campaign, and Kelly agreed, White House officials told ABC News. But Kelly had voiced his interest in staying on for far longer -- through 2024 if the president was re-elected.

However, according to a Wall Street Journal report back in June, Trump had consulted his advisers about a replacement for Kelly. Media reports also claimed that Kelly was becoming increasingly aggravated with the president, The Huffington Post reports.  

Kelly had reportedly once told someone that he didn’t care about what Trump did or if it lead to his impeachment, because then “at least this chapter of American history would come to a close,” according to Politico.

Kelly, who replaced Reince Priebus as chief of staff in July 2017, sought to impose order and discipline in the West Wing, and had a tougher relationship with Trump than his predecessor did. He placed more restrictions on who could reach the president and required all White House staffers to report to him.  

Vanity Fair reported in 2017 that Kelly’s discipline put a strain on his relationship with Trump, and an unnamed source said the two men were “fighting a lot.”

Kelly had also faced intense scrutiny back in February and March over his response to former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter’s resignation after Porter was accused of domestic abuse by both of his ex-wives. He had initially defended Porter as “a man of true integrity and honor,” but after photos of Porter’s ex-wife with a black eye became public, Kelly said he was “shocked” but would “stand by” his earlier comments.

But according to CNN, Kelly had known about the domestic abuse allegations, and FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the FBI had given a preliminary report to the White House nearly a year before.

Kelly had shouldered most of the blame for the whole incident, HuffPost reports.

As Kelly departs the White House, sources have told ABC News that it appears Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff, is the leading candidate to fill Kelly’s spot. Ayers is seen by Trump as a prominent advocate for his administration’s policies and a loyalist, which, in the past, has seemed to be very important to the president.

Whether you’re currently sexually active or not, speaking with your parents about your sexual health can be incredibly important—especially if you’re still on their health insurance plan. You can ask them about birth control methods, the HPV vaccine or even treatment for a persistent yeast infection. It might be a little uncomfortable to talk about, but remember that your parents care about your health first and foremost. Read on for a few tips on how to approach a conversation.

1. Talk early—and don’t wait until a problem arises

While it might be tempting to avoid doing so until absolutely necessary, you should open a discussion about sexual health with your parents before a problem might occur. That way, you already have a support system in effect and know what to do if something should happen.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist and an expert on college sexual health, recommends that collegiettes talk about what good sexual health looks like with both their doctor and parents. “Waiting until there is a problem is often too late, especially if they are dealing with a health problems that can have major ramifications such as an STI, HIV or other STI,” Dr. Durvasula says.

Basically, you shouldn’t take your sexual health lightly. Start the conversation now, rather than later.

2. Consider the setting of the discussion

Since this can be a difficult topic to approach, you need to make sure that both you and your parents are in an appropriate setting. A loud, family barbecue probably isn’t the best place to bring up the topic—nor is Thanksgiving dinner.

Annie Bryan, a sophomore at Saint Louis University and intern at Planned Parenthood, says, “A big thing I’ve learned over the years is meeting your parents where they’re at. Talk to them in a place and time that is most conducive to when they like to talk. Audiences and discussions never succeed when both partners aren’t as close to the same level as they can be on.”

Maybe your parents like to have deep discussions with you on long road trips, or when they wind down on Friday nights—keep those moments in mind and choose a time that will ensure a mature, respectful conversation that they’ll take seriously.

3. Get a health care provider involved

If it’s very difficult for you to seriously discuss your sexual health with your parents at home, consider a clinical setting instead. It’s not uncommon for teens to discuss their sexual health with both their health care provider and parents at a doctor’s office. That way, you can ensure you’ll without a doubt have a mature discussion—and you’ll have a chance to talk about available resources with your practitioner.

Dr. Durvasula says this is a great option. “In some ways, the discussion will be about health, but also relationships, and the critical need that the parents not be uncomfortable,” she says. “In fact, sometimes it helps for the young woman to meet with a health care provider, the parents to meet with the health care provider and then everyone come together.”

If you think a structured, clinical setting will be less stressful than bringing it up on your own at home, consider trying this option at your next doctor’s appointment.

Related: 6 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About Sex

4. If necessary, pick the “right” parent

Almost all kids know which of their parents will react harshly to certain issues and which will be more understanding. Maybe your dad still sees you as his little girl and won’t react well to discussing your sexual health. Maybe your mom is quite strict on sexuality and might get upset if she finds out you’re sexually active. Either way, you should have an idea on who to speak with.

Abby Piper, a senior at the University of Notre Dame, says, “As a child of divorce, I luckily can talk to one without the other one knowing. I never had any long, serious chats with my parents about sexual health, but with any serious thing I want to discuss I always weigh who I think will respond the best and be the most helpful.”

Abby’s advice is great for any serious discussion you might need to have with your parents, including one about sexual health. Choose carefully if you’re in a situation where one parent might respond better than the other.

5. Discuss birth control, protection and health insurance

Before you discuss your sexual health with your parents, you should have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with the discussion. Do you want to get on birth control? Do you want to get an IUD? Anything that requires a prescription or a medical professional will also require you to ask your parents about your health insurance. Maybe you can even look through your plan together to see what’s covered and what’s not—and how both you and your parents will cover the excess. They’ll most likely expect you to pitch in, so be prepared with a plan on how you can do that. It’ll make you seem more mature as well to offer financial help.

Dr. Durvasula also recommends discussing the HPV vaccination if you haven’t before. “Were you vaccinated against HPV? Is it too late to begin the vaccination and can you discuss it with your health care provider?” she says. The same goes for safe sex. “Uncomfortable though it may be to speak about—the importance of condoms as infection prevention—birth control pills do not protect against STIs.”

Annie says that your parents might not react well to birth control initially, so you should try to mention other benefits as well. “Many parents really aren’t comfortable with their children being sexually active,” she says. “For example, if you want to go on hormonal birth control, be sure to mention the other benefits…like lighter periods, lighter cramps, a more steady mood and potentially less acne. Once again, try not to lie, but be as honest as you can be with where your parents are at.” Do what you must to get the sexual resources you need.

6. Speak with a trusted adult or doctor if your parents are especially conservative

For college women with strict families that condemn pre-marital sex, for either religious or cultural values, it can be extremely difficult—and even dangerous—to start a conversation about sexual health with your parents. They can make you feel guilty, accuse you of “immorality,” or even refuse to get you the help you need. In that scenario, it might be wise to speak with another trusted adult or your health care provider about your sexual health instead. If you explain your situation, they will have information on where you can find resources to maintain your sexual health without your parent’s knowledge. And hopefully, they will come around eventually!

Dr. Durvasula addresses this issue and recommends the following resources, “Parents need to be reminded that sexuality is a healthy part of life, and morality and pathologization really should not be part of this conversation,” she says. “If college women face these barriers with their parents, then they may want to consider consulting with a health care provider who has expertise in adolescent sexual health and women's health to get their questions answered. Most college health services have people to meet with as well. Ignorance is not an option because the stakes can be very high.”

You can also turn to the internet for help, says Annie. “If you ever need any information, whether you completely agree with their ethics or not, the Planned Parenthood website has a lot of stuff about starting conversations about sexuality,” she says.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, good luck, collegiettes! Reach out to your parents or health care provider to get the resources you need to ensure you don’t have to worry about your sexual health.

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, reportedly had private conversations with and gave advice to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the slaying of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to The New York Times.

Kushner offered the Saudi prince advice about “how to weather the storm” following Khashoggi’s death, the Times reported on Saturday.

Kushner, who serves as an adviser on the Middle East, has kept up informal conversations with the Saudi prince since early 2017. Former senior White House officials told the Times that Kushner’s political inexperience could have left him “susceptible to Saudi manipulation” during these private chats.

CNN reported in October that Kushner’s private talks with the Saudi prince concerned national security officials who “worried off-the-books conversations with the young prince could lead to misunderstandings or worse.”

According to USA Today, Khashoggi was killed on October 2nd by Saudi agents at the country’s consulate in Istanbul. Though the administration has played down reported evidence linking the Saudi prince to the killing and has cautioned Congress about taking action against Saudi Arabia, lawmakers say U.S. intelligence reports show that the Saudi prince ordered Khashoggi’s killing.

“I think he’s complicit to the highest level possible,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said following a CIA briefing last week. “There’s not a smoking gun. There’s a smoking saw,” the senator said in reference to the reported use of a bone saw in the killing.

But according to the Times report, Kushner has become the Saudi prince’s “most important defender inside the White House.” Kushner had urged Trump to support the Saudi prince since the country remains a key part of the administration Middle East policies.

A White House spokesperson told the Times, “Jared has always meticulously followed protocols and guidelines regarding the relationship with MBS [Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman] and all of the other foreign officials with whom he interacts.”

The White House has acknowledged one instance in which Kushner and National Security Adviser John Bolton called the Saudi prince a week after Khashoggi went missing from the Saudi consulate, CNN reports.

“They asked for more details and for the Saudi government to be transparent in the investigation process,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement at the time.

But Kushner continued to privately talk with the Saudi Prince, and a Saudi source told the Times that Kushner had “offered the crown prince advice about how to weather the storm, urging him to resolve his conflicts around the region and avoid further embarrassments.”

White House officials told the Times, however, that there is nothing unusual about Kushner relationship with the Saudi prince, adding that he has relationships with several key figures in the Middle East. The White House said that representatives from previous administrations also had ties to Saudi officials.

You’re done with work and classes for the week and you already decided to accept a night out with your friends earlier in the week (for whatever reason). Clearly, your Tuesday-self was extra ambitious, because your Friday-self is currently exhausted after barely passing that chem exam. Now you’re already too exhausted to even think about getting ready to go out in public. And you’re ready for a nap.

Let’s face it, this happens nearly every Friday night — but you shouldn’t have to pick between getting ready and dozing off for an hour (or two). Instead, optimize your nap sesh and prep your skin while you slumber, so your makeup (or your gorgeous bare skin) looks like the Kardashians applied it themselves.

Whether you’re a lazy girl or a perfectionist, everyone loves hacks and multitasking. So why shouldn’t you combine your skincare and your napping game to redefine the meaning of beauty rest?

1. Overnight masks

Obviously, you aren’t going to nap for a full eight hours before you hang out with your girl gang (or maybe you will because you’re a pro at time management). Regardless, “overnight” masks will help nurture your skin while you take a short nap, so your skin looks hella fresh and revitalized when you step into that the low-lit club.

Plus, there are hundreds of different types of overnight masks from sheet masks to collagen eye masks to moisturizing lip masks (which are life-changing for chapped lips, FYI)

Emily Schmidt, a sophomore at Stanford University, explains, “I have actually have slept in masks before for short power naps. I'll put on an Aztec clay mask and set an alarm for a thirty-minute nap. You just have to make sure that you sleep on your back or side and put down a towel on the pillow. It's a great way to get in both therapies at once.” Who says you can’t multitask while practicing self-care?

If you don’t want to look like Dwight Schrute in S5:E15 of The Office (after he cuts off and wears the CPR dummy’s face), then there are plenty of sink-in masks that are fit for any napping queen. Plus, sink-in treatments make it look like your skin is effortlessly dewy, because you don’t have to peel or rinse off any of the masks.

2. Put down a new pillowcase

Sure, you tell your parents that you wash your pillowcases and sheets every week. While lying to your parents is wrong, we all know that you lose track of time, and a “week” basically means “every other month.”

If you’re cringing right now, don’t judge us, Karen. You know you’re guilty of neglecting your laundry at times too. However, napping on a dirty pillowcase can make your face breakout, because a week-old pillowcase is essentially a biohazard zone for bacteria that can clog your pores (which is how some pimples are born).

Or you could just embrace your laziness and use a soft t-shirt as a pillowcase. (It’s probably more comfortable than your cheap, but rough, AF pillowcase anyway.)

3. Humidifier

Seriously, most dorms and apartments are drier than your dining hall’s meatloaf, which can make your skin dry and flaky (even if you don’t experience a harsh winter in your area).

While regularly cleaning and moisturizing your skin will help prevent your face from getting chapped, sometimes that just isn’t enough. So while you nap, place a humidifier next to your bed to help pump some moisture in the air.

John Remus, a senior at Iowa State University, says, "I turn on a humidifier whenever I'm in my room. I take Accutane and my face is really dry not that it's winter. The humidifier helps prevent my skin from cracking and flaking." Seeing as I'm John's roommate, his seemingly poreless skin made me get a humidifier of my own (though Accutane may have helped most with his porefect complexion). 

The moisture from the humidifier will help make your skin feel softer and less dull because it’s properly hydrated. You can also put a few drops of essential oils in your humidifier to make your whole apartment smell like a lavender field.

Related: Your 24-Hour Skincare Guide: What You Need Each Step of the Day For Gorgeous Skin

4. Nap on your back

Ever wake up with those weird face creases that make you think you suddenly sprouted 10 wrinkles overnight (or make you question how long you’ve been napping)? Yeah, those pseudo-wrinkles — which take an hour to go away — are from the wrinkles in your pillowcase.

Because a lot of people sleep on their stomachs or their sides, the wrinkles and folds of your pillowcase compress against your face. Thus, your pillowcase leaves an imprint of its own wrinkles on your 22-year-old face.

While we’re all for aging naturally, temporary wrinkles might not be the latest beauty trend. If you can nap comfortably on your back, then you don’t have to worry about waking up with those lines all over your face.

Likewise, napping on your back will keep you from smearing any of your “naptime” serums or masks all over your pillow.

5. Lather yourself in non-comedogenic oil

Okay, you don’t have to coat yourself in oil from your face to your ankles (though you could, because certain oils have some awesome superpowers).

Although coconut oil helps moisturize your skin and is especially helpful if you want to take a hot shower after your nap (because hot showers can strip your skin of its beneficial oils), it could block your pores and have a negative impact on your skin.

Because coconut oil is rated a 4 out of 5 on the comedogenic index, you might want to refrain from using coconut oil, unless you’re just using it for a short (typically 15 minutes or less) period of time to either take your makeup off or create a barrier to help prep your skin for a steam shower.

If you don’t plan on showering after your nap, then any oil that has a rating higher than a zero on a comedogenic scale has the risk of clogging your precious pores, thus creating a portal for face demons, i.e. acne, to appear.

Unless you know for a fact that your skin is flawless even when you’re coated in coconut oil, then you should try using a non-comedogenic oil like raw shea butter or aloe vera.

My personal dermatologist recommended that I used shea butter as my face moisturizer during the winter, because my face is super sensitive and even thirstier than my tweets to Tyler Posey.

However, Náosha Gregg, a sophomore at CUNY Kingsborough, says, “Rubbing aloe vera on the skin and leaving it overnight is a great way to refresh your skin.” Obviously, leaving some aloe on your skin will still leave it soft and dewy after only an hour of napping.

Regardless, it’s all about finding the non-comedogenic oil that fits your skin, so consult your dermatologist to find out which non-pore-clogging oil is best for your naptime routine.

6. Spot treat your face

Whether you need rose water to plump up your cheeks, acne healing dots for pimples or retinol for some fine lines, everyone’s skin has a plethora of needs — and no part of your skin is the same.

Kelley Seifert, an alumna of Iowa State University says, "I use Cosrx pimple patches if I'm having a breakout, and pimples are usually more manageable if not completely gone by morning." Although you might not be napping until the next morning (otherwise you'll miss your evening plans with your friends), you can start your pimple patch treatment and leave it on while you go out.

With the dim lighting at the bars and a little bit of foundation and/or concealer over the patch, nobody will notice it. (And if they do, who cares?) Pimple patches do more than just conceal and treat pimples, they also protect them from additional bacteria. This bacteria can be introduced when you block your already irritated pore with foundation (which, TBH, is probably expired anyway), which can cause your pimple to stick around for even longer.  (Or at least that's what dermatologist tells me.) I mean, do you really want to piss off your pimple more than necessary?

If you aren’t sure what each square inch of your face and the rest skin needs (seriously, you’re probably neglecting your skincare regime on the rest of your body), then schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get some suggestions that benefit your skin.

After all, those Instagram-hyped products might help some people but there’s no such thing as a one-size fits all beauty routine. Otherwise, we’d all save our money and just use products from the Dollar Tree.

Even if you think you have flawless skin, it’s always a good idea to schedule a regular appointment with a dermatologist for some preventative care.

7. Hydrate yourself

Drinking enough water is one of the most underrated beauty tips — mostly because we’re all busy being so productive that we actually forget to cater to our basic needs for survival. Clearly, swerving the latest f*ckboy in your life can trump your legitimate thirst.

Nevertheless, getting enough water before a night out with your friends is vital for your skin’s health (and, you know, your liver’s health). However, your own hydration is often overlooked when you're getting ready for a night out. 

Before you take a short nap, drink a full glass of water. If you have a tiny bladder, don’t worry, your urge to pee will be a natural incentive to force yourself to get up from your nap. Just make sure you have a glass of water waiting for you when you do finally force yourself to get up and get ready — because hydration is key to having healthy and healthy looking skin.

After all, getting ready for a night out can be stressful. However, your skin deserves a bit more care before you go out. Makeup, fatty foods and alcoholic drinks can really stress your skin out, which is why preparing your skin for a night out is crucial.

Thankfully, you don’t need to spend hours cursing at your pimples and lathering ten layers of moisturizers on your dry, wintery skin to ensure that you look like your best self before your night out.

It seems like with every day that passes, there’s another major food group we’re supposed to cut out of our diets. We’ve seen the rollercoaster-like rise and fall of cutting out carbs, and fats that were once avoided like the plague are now considered a key part of a balanced diet. Now, another food group is at risk for becoming a fit girl wannabe’s public enemy #1: dairy.

Health-conscious celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Megan Fox and Beyonce have all gone dairy-free, according to E! News. But does that mean a collegiette like you should too? If you aren’t lactose intolerant, is there a point to cutting out Greek yogurt, cream in your coffee or, if you’re like Corinne from The Bachelor, your cheese pasta?

Well, it depends! Just because you aren’t lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, doesn’t mean you might not have a sensitivity to dairy. According to registered dietician Jenny Dang, an allergy involves your immune system, while a sensitivity means your body has trouble digesting certain foods.

“A food allergy occurs when your body's immune system reacts to a food protein,” explains Dang. “Common signs and symptoms are tingling in the mouth, itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, and can be life-threatening.”

A sensitivity is not life threatening, although it can cause varying levels of discomfort while your body tries to break down certain foods.

According to Dr. Scott Schreiber, a certified nutrition specialist and dietician, one factor in the prominence of dairy sensitivity is the varying levels of the protein casein from human milk to cow’s milk.

“From a physiological standpoint, the purpose of milk is for build up immunity and provide nutrition for  young calves,” says Dr. Schreiber. “Due to the cross-species consumption of milk, the human body is not equipped or prepared to digest another species milk. In fact, human milk and cow milk has a very different chemical make up. Cow milk has a lot more casein, which can cause irritation to the digestive tract.”

In addition, dairy sensitivity can be the underlying cause of many diseases, like leaky gut syndrome, small intestine bacterial growth or irritable bowel syndrome.

“It may not be an overt pathology, but can be a hidden cause of many diseases,” explains Dr. Schreiber.

According to ​Melanie Jatsek, registered dietitian and creator of The Healthy You program, symptoms of a dairy sensitivity include gas or bloating after consumption, headaches, asthma, acne or even ear infections.

It’s not exactly easy to tell if dairy is the sole culprit behind these, though.

For people with a gluten sensitivity, dairy can also have a negative effect because milk proteins can cross-react with gluten, according to Jatsek. Cross-reacting means your body could confuse proteins in dairy with those in gluten, since they are similar in structure.

So, how do you know if dairy is the culprit behind any suspicious bodily reactions?

“​To see if you have a dairy sensitivity, the best test is elimination of all dairy products for three weeks to see how you feel,” advises Jatsek. “If your symptoms improve then you are probably sensitive to dairy.”

If you find after eliminating dairy that you generally feel better, there are many ways to substitute dairy products.

“There are countless dairy-free, plant-based options you can use to replace milk, yogurt and cheese,” says Jatsek. “Nut milks such as unsweetened almond or coconut milk are good choices, just make sure there is no sugar in the ingredient list, as well as unsweetened coconut yogurt and cashew-based cheeses.” 

Related: 11 Best Dairy-Free Snacks

Additionally, if you opt to cut out dairy, there are other ways to maintain necessary calcium consumption. Foods like leafy greens, fish with bones and almonds get you your calcium fix.

“Protein and calcium are in every food,” says Dr. Schreiber. “High sources of protein include beans, lentils, quinoa, leafy and greens. Sources of calcium include spinach, kale, and broccoli. In addition, calcium is not as important for bone health as once thought. Science shows that vitamin D is much more important.”

There are also options like Lactaid, which is 100 percent real cow’s milk but with an added enzyme called lactase which helps break down the lactose in dairy products (aka if you are lactose intolerant, your body can’t break it down on its own so it needs this lactase enzyme).

If you find that you aren’t sensitive to dairy, should you still give it up? As it turns out, many dieticians are split on the issue. There are numerous health benefits associated with consuming dairy, but also some drawbacks.

Jatsek and Dang don’t see a reason to cut out this entire food group if you don’t have a sensitivity, intolerance or allergy.

“Assuming an individual is not sensitive, there ​are some studies showing people who consume full-fat dairy have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, smaller waist circumference, lower triglycerides, higher HDL cholesterol and lower C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation,” says Jatsek.

One of the biggest risks associated with giving up dairy is missing out on all the nutrients dairy can provide. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D and protein, all of which support healthy growth.

“If you are not medically diagnosed with an allergy or food intolerance and are following a dairy-free diet, your body could be missing out these essential nutrients, especially if you are not getting them from other food sources,” says Dang. “For individuals without any food intolerances or allergies, dairy foods are safe to eat and can be included as part of a healthy eating pattern.”

However, there are advocates for completely eliminating dairy, regardless of sensitivity levels, including Schreiber and certified nutritional chef Melissa Eboli.

“Dairy products do much more harm than good,” says Dr. Schreiber. “They have been implicated as a cause of weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disease and cancer.”

Eboli agrees that dairy offers health benefits like calcium and vitamin D, but there may be more negatives than positives in the long run.

“In my professional opinion there are more negatives to consuming dairy than positives,” she says. “As a disadvantage, dairy is both an acidic and inflammatory substance. Also, many forms of dairy contain RBGH (reproductive bovine growth hormones) which has a direct correlation to breast cancer.”

Dr. Schreiber also thinks eliminating dairy completely could be beneficial, and explains that research around dairy consumption has suggested correlations to several medical conditions, from obesity to prostate cancer to acne.

“Studies have shown that milk consumption increases levels of insulin-like growth factor, a known substance to cause cancer,” says Dr. Schreiber. “In fact, research shows that increasing calcium and dairy products raising risk of prostate cancer by 30-50 percent.”

In the end, cutting out dairy will affect every person in a slightly different way, and it’s not necessarily the secret or easy key to losing weight that we’ve all been waiting for. If you don’t feel great after a bowl of ice cream, a grilled cheese, or yogurt, consider dropping dairy temporarily and evaluate how it makes you feel. At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision that should be made after consulting with your doctor.

“For anyone who is trying to see if dairy is the culprit of their health issues, I urge you to try a dairy elimination for two weeks to see if you notice a difference,” advises Eboli. “After two weeks ask yourself: Did you skin clear up? did your nausea and bloating go away? Is your asthma more at bay? or has your joint pains decreased? Then, work it back into your diet after those two weeks and see if any of the issues that may have gone away come back for additional affirmation.”

Consuming dairy will affect everyone in a different way, and depending on your body, eliminating it might have a major impact, or you might not notice a difference. It is a personal decision with unique repercussions for everyone. If you decide to try going dairy free, make sure you consult a doctor first and maintain a balanced diet to get necessary nutrients from other sources.

Name: Naz Barouti

Age: 34

Job Title & Description: Lawyer, Radio Host, Author

College Name & Major: University of California, Berkeley (BA Political Science)

Website: nazbarouti.com

Twitter Handle: @nazbarouti

Instagram Handle:@nazbarouti

Becoming an adult is terrifying. Though college typically provides young women practice living as an adult while still having a safety net, the prospect of having to make realadult decisions looms over our heads as the end of our four years steadily approaches. Finding your own apartment? Handling your own money? Working out your finances in the event that something bad happens? All of these and more give many young college women anxiety—and attorney Naz Barouti has set out to change that fear.

Author of new book Love, Death, and Money: A Woman's Guide to Legally Protecting Yourself, certified #girlboss Barouti advises women on how to deal with the unexpected in a world that's conditioned women to be financially dependent on a partner. As a lawyer, Barouti considers herself to be an advocate for every woman, helping them protect their assets in either love or business. Establishing her own company, Barouti Law Corporation, Barouti is an accessible resource for all women. No matter their financial standing, she often provides consultations either in person or online (check out her legal tips on Instagram!) We were fortunate enough to have Barouti tell us about the most rewarding parts of her career, how she's shattering the stereotype of money-hungry lawyers, and how she values being a feminist advocate. 

Her Campus: What does your current job entail?

Naz Barouti: I help countless individuals protect their assets from probate court. Essentially, I make sure that the state courts do not get involved in how your assets get distributed after your passing. In addition, I prepare the necessary legal documents to ensure that you select who will make financial and medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

HC: Is there such a thing as a typical day?

NB: There is never a typical day, as I encounter many twists and turns during a workday. However, I spend a lot of time educating the masses, specifically women on how to protect themselves financially and legally. You would be surprised to learn that the typical one-on-one meeting with a lawyer in an office has become a thing of the past. I spend much of my time answering questions via social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

HC: What is the best part of your job?

NB: The best part of my job is educating clients on how they can take protect themselves financially and legally in personal and professional relationships. The image the public has of attorneys is that we want you to not have the necessary information, so you make mistakes and then you're in desperate need of us so we can charge you a lot of money. That couldn’t be further from the truth in my practice. I want everyone from whatever socioeconomic level to have access to legal help before it is too late. That is why I wrote my book Love, Death, and Money: A Woman’s Guide to Legally Protecting Yourself. I joke and refer to it as the legal Bible for all women.

HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

NB: I interned for free for an Estate Planning law firm in Orange County. I was fortunate enough to get the position because my father was close friends with the owner. I used to be ashamed that I had to ask for help, but as I’ve grown as an attorney, I’ve realized that was all just ego. You should tap into all resources and contacts you have. The goal is to learn from the best of the best and it shouldn’t matter who hooked you up with the job!

HC: What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

NB: Well, I’m my own boss, which means I have to constantly be the keynote speaker of my own mind. I have to motivate and encourage myself. What keeps me going is remembering that it is impossible for me to compete with others when I am the competition. This is not about being full of myself, but knowing what I bring to any business transaction. I strive to maintain this strong mentality.

HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

NB: I spent so much time trying to prove myself to people that didn’t matter. Anytime I heard a negative comment or a criticism about my abilities, I killed myself trying to prove them wrong. One day I woke up and realized these people were haters. It didn’t matter what I did or how I did it, they just wanted to attack me. I learned that my energy could have been better served focusing on my own goals and muting out the thoughts and opinions of others.

HC: What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

NB: The most surreal moment of my career thus far has been having complete strangers reach out to me on social media to let me know that I inspire them. Messages like that mean so much to me because it reminds me all the sleepless nights building my practice and helping people was worth it.

HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

NB: Someone with the desire and passion to learn. I’ve been practicing for almost 10 years and I still wake up every morning eager to learn. If we are constantly pursuing a life filled with learning, we are constantly evolving – and I find that to be a beautiful thing.

HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

NB: Don’t stop. Keep going. I remember in my mid-20s feeling that I would never reach a point where I would be considered an expert in my field. I would beat myself up over it so much. Looking back now I laugh. How did I expect to be an expert without experience? Pay your dues and the rest will follow.

HC: What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

NB: Someone who is multi-dimensional. I vibe with people that are not one-dimensional and expose themselves to everything. When you are able to push yourself out of your comfort zone, you become a better businesswoman because it helps you understand people from different walks of life. You can put me in a room filled with people of different ages, races and religious beliefs and I will find common ground with all of them.

Good morning, Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

President Trump Accuses James Comey of Lying to House Judiciary & Oversight Committees

President Donald Trump lashed out at former FBI Director James Comey after he gave testimony before the Senate Judiciary and Oversight Committees on Friday, accusing him, without evidence, of lying to the committees and questioning his ability to recall certain events related to the lawmakers’ questions.

“On 245 occasions, former FBI Director James Comey told House investigators he didn't know, didn't recall, or couldn't remember things when asked. Opened investigations on 4 Americans (not 2) - didn't know who signed off and didn't know Christopher Steele. All lies,” Trump tweeted Sunday morning.

In a subsequent tweet, Trump claimed Comey “must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day,” adding that his testimony was “so untruthful.”

“This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President. They are now exposed!” Trump wrote.

Republican lawmakers had called on Comey to testify Friday on the FBI’s decisions during the 2016 presidential election, The Washington Times reports.

According to a transcript of the interview released Saturday, Comey did not recall the answers to several questions, including ones concerning details of the Clinton investigation back in 2015 and 2016, CNN reports.

According to The Washington Times, Comey said the FBI launched it Russia counterintelligence investigation into four Americans and their potential connections to the Russian effort to interfere in the 2016 presidential election -- not into the Trump campaign.

“The Trump campaign was not under investigation,” Comey responded to a Democratic question asserting that the Trump campaign was under review. “The FBI, in late July, opened counterintelligence investigations of four Americans to see if they were working in any way with the Russians to influence our elections.”

An FBI attorney was present at the interview and instructed Comey to not answer certain questions about the Russia investigation, saying that some of those matters are still relevant to and being investigated as part of the ongoing Russia investigation.

Republicans were reportedly frustrated that the attorney instructed Comey not to answer certain questions, and Comey and committee Democrats felt the interview was a waste of time, with questions primarily focusing on Hillary Clinton’s emails, CNN reports.

Sen. Chris Murphy Says the Russia Investigation is “Beyond the Stage” of the Clinton Impeachment

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) said in an interview on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that the publicly available information from the special counsel’s investigation indicate that President Donald Trump’s actions are “beyond the stage” of what lead to former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment.

While Murphy said it was up to the House of Representatives whether or not Trump should be impeached and cautioned against drawing too many conclusions without all of the facts, he did say that special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe has reached a “new level.”

“I think you are beyond the stage that led to the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton, whether or not you think that that was worthy of impeachment,” Murphy told “This Week” co-anchor Martha Raddatz.

In responding to the recent filings from the special counsel on former Trmp attorney Michael Cohen’s and former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort’s illegal activities, Murphy said, “The president has now stepped into the same territory that ultimately led to President Nixon resigning the office. President Nixon was an unindicted co-conspirator. Was certainly a different set of facts, but this investigation is now starting to put the president in serious legal crosshairs and he should be worried and the whole country should be worried.”

According to CNN, Cohen’s filing indicates that he was directed to make hush money payments to two women — Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal — who had claimed to have affairs with Trump, so they would keep the extramarital affairs private. Trump is mentioned in the filing as “Individiual-1.”

Meanwhile, the special counsel wrote in Manafort’s filing that the former campaign chairman had lied about the extent of his contact with a Russian national during the campaign, CNN reports.

Mueller, however, is reportedly is in the process of writing his final report, but it is not known when the report will be finished and made public.

“I would also counsel the special investigator to show his cards soon,” Murphy said. “I mean I think it's important for the special investigator to give Congress what he has sometime early in 2019 so that Congress can make a determination. If the president did, in fact, collude with the Russians to try to manipulate the election, or engage in multiple felonies with Michael Cohen, it doesn’t really make sense for congress to get that report from the special investigator in 2020, we need that next year. We need that as soon as possible.”

NASA Releases First Recorded Sounds From Mars

NASA’s new Mars lander has captured the first sounds of Mars’ “really unworldly” wind.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory released the sounds of the rather eerie winds on Friday, which were collected by the InSight lander during its first week on Mars, The Huffington Post reports. These are the first sounds detectable by human ears from our solar system neighbor.

InSight landed on Mars on November 26th.

“Reminds me of sitting outside on a windy summer afternoon,” Cornell University’s Don Banfield told reporters of the winds, which were blowing 10 to 15 miles per hour. “In some sense, this is what it would sound like if you were sitting on the InSight lander on Mars.”

Thomas Pike, from Imperial College London, said the rumbling is “rather different to anything that we’ve experienced on Earth, and I think it just gives us another way of thinking about how far away we are getting these signals.”

According to The New York Times, the sound we hear in the recording is the wind blowing against InSight’s solar panels and the resulting vibration of the spacecraft. It was recorded by an air pressure sensor inside the spacecraft that’s part of a weather station and the seismometer on its deck.

“We’re all still on a high from the landing last week ... and here we are less than two weeks after landing, and we’ve already got some amazing new science,” Lori Glaze, acting director of planetary science at NASA, said. “It’s cool, it’s fun.”

What to look out for…

Disney released its first trailer for the new, live-action Kim Possible, so make sure to check it out!

A major lawsuit was filed by Harvard University students last week, accusing the school of blacklisting students who are members of off-campus, single-sex organizations and Harvard-specific clubs — particularly members of Greek life.

The policy, instated in 2016 by the university, allegedly punishes students in these organizations and does not allow them to be admitted to leadership roles in Harvard organizations or sports teams. The policy also reportedly bars them from obtaining post-graduate fellowships and scholarships controlled by the university.

“As a result of this policy, almost all of the once vibrant sororities and women’s final clubs open to Harvard women have either closed or had to renounce their proud status as women’s social organizations,” Renee Zainer, International President of Alpha Phi, a plaintiff organization in the state case said on the Stand Up To Harvard website. “Together, we are standing up to Harvard on behalf of all students, because they have the right to shape their own leadership and social paths. Harvard simply can’t erase the spaces students value for support and opportunity.”

Two national fraternities and two national sororities have joined the lawsuit, while another sorority has sued the school separately in Massachusetts state court.

“The common thread that ties together all of Harvard's ever-shifting justifications for the sanctions policy is sexism,” the suit says. “Harvard's views that all-male organizations cause sexual assault because they are all-male, and that there is no value to all-female or all-male organizations, are sexist in the extreme,” Independent reports.

Kris M. Tilley, an attorney and business litigation specialist says the lawsuit brought on by students makes complete sense, but also believes Harvard University is just protecting themselves.

“In this new era of Me Too, universities, businesses and frankly any organization, [have] to be very careful about what goes on behind their doors,” Tilley said. “While Harvard can’t control every student and know what’s going on at all times, they can certainly be proactive about reducing any more bad publicity. And the reality is that fraternities are the ones producing the bad publicity right now.”

“While Harvard can’t control every student and know what’s going on at all times, they can certainly be proactive about reducing any more bad publicity. And the reality is that fraternities are the ones producing the bad publicity right now.”

Since the policy’s inception, at least three sororities have parted ways with the university and re-opened as organizations that accept members of any sex. The national fraternities that filed suit, Sigma Chi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, say they have struggled to recruit new members and have experienced financial woes following a drop in due-paying members.

Sara Ellen Poston, a sophomore at East Carolina University and sisterhood director of her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, is worried that, with Harvard University’s prestige, their decision could potentially affect all Greek life organizations.

“I’m truly shocked that this was even an idea in someone’s head, let alone that it got this far," ” she said. "I am anxious to see how this plays out in court and I am worried for the influence Harvard University has on other schools across the country and that this could have consequences the majority doesn’t want to see."

The suit filed by Harvard University students says the school violates Title IX, the 1972 law that made it illegal for any school that receives federal funding to discriminate anyone based on gender. Tilley says using this law as their defense is the students' best hope in winning the suit.

“Title IX was monumental and it has protected the disenfranchised and held many higher ups in education accountable,” she said. “So, if and when this case reaches the courts, Title IX will do its job and protect these students.”

Members of Greek organizations all over the country have come together in response to the suit, creating a petition called Stand Up To Harvard. There are currently more than 60,000 signatures.

For college students who are not members of Greek or single-sex organizations, the urgency of this issue may not seem as alarming, but senior at California State University Brian Wood believes it should be.

“As someone who is not a member of a fraternity, I still believe in the power of these organizations and clubs,” he said. “Trust me, many of the stereotypes you hear are true, but it does not mean these students should lose their rights. If Harvard is trying to reduce the number of fraternities to reduce the number of sexual assault allegations, then Harvard should really reconsider who they are admitting.”

There is no court date set, but both suits demand a jury trial and have called on Harvard University to immediately remove this policy.

‘Tis the season to break out the warmer clothes, indulge in your favorite treats and snuggle up while watching reruns of classic holiday movies. It’s easy to love this time of year, as it’s often filled with joy, but as we grow older it can become difficult to decide whether or not to go home for the holidays. For many, it’s a no brainer. Who could pass up the chance to eat grandma’s apple pie? Well, if it comes with a side of judgment or is accompanied by an expensive plane ticket, you can start to understand why some people choose to opt out of their family gatherings.

If you’re feeling conflicted about whether or not to go home this holiday season, you’re not alone. We spoke to former and current collegiettes who feel the same way with hopes of helping you navigate your decision. Here are some factors to consider before choosing where to spend your holidays.

Understand that every family is different

When making this decision for yourself, you must remember to not compare your home situation to others’. Every family operates in very unique ways. What may be an important tradition for your friend’s family may seem like a silly idea to yours. We were all raised differently and therefore hold different values, especially when it comes to the holidays.

Teri Bradford, a senior at Chatham University, says, “I’m very independent and my family isn’t super close (I’ve never been homesick). It’s very simple and my situation is probably different than many others.” Teri continues, “My parents are used to me staying on campus so I usually tell them when I do want to come home, so it’s not hard to break the news.”

Make your holiday plans according to what is best for you, despite what that may look like to others.

Caitlyn Durant, a recent grad of Colby-Sawyer College, says, “In my household it is not an expectation to go home at all. Having three other siblings takes the pressure off me personally feeling obligated to go home because I know the table will still be filled with family.” Some families are more than understanding if you don’t go home. Shout out to the siblings who help give each other a little leeway.

Related: 19 Signs Your Friend Group is Actually More like Family

Weigh your travel options

It’s no secret travel expenses aren’t exactly cheap, especially if you live far away from home. Finances can be a touchy subject for us college students/post grads because let’s be honest, we’re not exactly made of money at the moment. Teri explains how money factors into her holiday plans, “I am not financially supported by my parents and buy my own plane tickets, so I usually decide based on money [if I want to go home] and if I feel like traveling.”

Flying home is usually ideal because it’s often faster but it can end up being more expensive. Try seeking out cheaper travel alternatives if you’re able to, such as taking a train or carpooling with a friend. This could save you money but still get where you want to go. Another option could be to ask for a ticket home as part of your holiday gift from your family—they’re always asking for gift ideas anyway and this could be a great one. And finally, if expenses for getting home are simply too costly (especially internationally) perhaps choose your favorite holiday to go home for and celebrate the others with your friends, wherever that may be.

Prioritize your obligations—it’s part of growing up

Entering new stages of life means taking on various responsibilities and making choices for yourself. This is usually followed by obligations, advanced planning and sometimes sacrifices.

Desiree Bourque, a recent graduate of the University of Southern Maine, has learned that part of growing older means making tough decisions when it comes to work. “Last year was the first time I had to work on a holiday. Obviously I would have rather been with my family but it’s part of growing up & having a job,” she says. “I had a choice between having Thanksgiving or Christmas off. I chose Christmas because it’s more special to my family, in remembrance of my grandmother.”

Nobody wants to spend the holidays at work and away from their loved ones, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. It takes a strong person to recognize what they want but make a decision based on what they need to do instead.

“My mom was more understanding than my dad,” Desiree says about telling her parents, “but overall they were both okay. They understood that I had bills to pay.” It’s beneficial to be upfront with your parents about your holiday decisions, especially if your reasons for not going home are legitimate. Although they might not like what you have to say, your parents will at least respect you for standing by what you want. Keep in mind it can be difficult for family members to accept when their ‘babies’ are all grown up. Show sympathy while breaking the news to them and maybe even make plans to visit in the near future.

Think of how your decision will affect you

Going home is not everyone’s cup of tea. People tend to associate the holidays with happy family time, but this isn’t always the case. Ean Anderson, a junior at Emmanuel College, opens up about why the decision to venture home isn’t necessarily an easy one.

“As I get older, the holidays get harder for me,” he says. “College has opened my mind in endless ways. My family, on the other hand, did not share in this awakening of sorts. Many members of my family and I now have very different and dueling thoughts, beliefs and opinions.” We can all relate to biting our tongues at the dinner table when it comes to unpleasant conversations. Ean continues, “All things considered, though, I couldn’t not go home for the holidays. The holidays, to me, are a time to set our differences aside and still come together as a family to celebrate and enjoy each other’s presence.”

Even if you feel obligated to go home, remember to put your best interest first. If you are able to put the differences in your family aside, props to you. But don’t feel ashamed if you decide to stay put and not go home for the holidays because you’d be happier somewhere else.

Define the meaning of ‘home’ for yourself

Home is a word we often associate with childhood and ‘the good ole days.’ As we grow up, however, home can take on many different forms.

Olivia Jones, a recent graduate of Colby-Sawyer College, shares her thoughts on what the holidays mean to her. “When deciding whether or not to go home for the holidays, I take a moment to define where ‘home’ is. While it's easy to think of the traditional ‘home’ as the place where you grew up or the place where your family lives, at some point you realize you've created a new home as an adult.” You may begin to feel more at home with your partner than you do with your parents and that’s okay.

Olivia continues, “I find that saying no to travel during the holiday allows me to relax into my home life with my close family—both literally and figuratively—by staying present with the few around me. Holidays shouldn't be an obligation to travel home, but rather, a mindful exercise of finding home where you are."

It’s a beautiful thought and a classic saying, “home is where the heart is.” As long as you’re thankful for what you have, surrounded by people you care about, and honest with what you want, your holidays will surely make you smile. Cheers!

Stranger Things fans, the countdown is on—Netflix dropped a new teaser for Stranger Things season three, in which they confirmed that it's coming in 2019.

Back in July, while speaking with critics at the Television Critics Association’s press tour, programming executive Cindy Holland said that Stranger Things wouldn't be back until summer 2019. At the time, she stated that this would help in making season three even better than the last, which fans had some mixed feelings about. “[The Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy] understand the stakes are high. They want to deliver something bigger and better than last year," she said. "I think it’s going to be a fantastic season. It will be worth the wait.”

The titles of the season’s eight episodes were also revealed in the latest teaser: “Suzie, Do You Copy?,” “The Mall Rats,” “The Case of the Missing Lifeguard,” “The Sauna Test,” “The Source,” “The Birthday,” “The Bite,” and “The Battle of Starcourt” are what we can expect to see.

With the finale of season two, we were all questioning whether the Mind Flayer will still play an integral part in the upcoming season. As Ross Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter, "They’ve shut the door on the Mind Flayer, but not only is it still there in the Upside Down, it’s very much aware of the kids, and particularly Eleven. It had not encountered her and her powers until that final episode. Now, it knows that she’s out there. We wanted to end on a little bit of an ominous note."

I don't think I can wait another year, but until then, I guess I'll just have to binge-watch seasons one and two again.